Topics in the Medieval Middle East: Mongols and Mamluks

(HIST 485)

Professor: Dr. Barnes

Office: Brittain Hall 367

Office telephone: (843) 349-2525

Office Hours:MW: 8:00-10:00and HAPPILY by appointment

E-Mail: E-mail is the best way to contact me, and you can e-mail me at .

  • I will only send e-mails to your coastal e-mail address, so please make sure you check it regularly, as you will be held responsible for all class information sent via e-mail.
  • I expect students to use professional courtesy in email exchanges with me. Please address me as Professor Barnes or Dr. Barnes, clearly articulate the questions you have for me, include your full name in your sign-off, and allow 36 to 48 hours for my response; otherwise, I may not respond. I check e-mail during regular work week hours, but I do not check it in the evening, during weekends, holidays, or university holidays. When you follow proper email etiquette, I will respond as soon as possible and offer you the greatest amount of assistance.

Course Description:
HIST 485Q* Topics in the Medieval Middle East (3). This course willexamine a variety of historical developments that took place in the medieval Middle Eastthrough such lenses as the political, social, religious, cultural, economic, intellectual, and military changes of the period. Topics may include Mongols and Mamluks; gender in the early Islamic world, orientalism and identity in the Islamic world; the Spanish caliphate, shifts in classical Islamic art, architecture, and urbanization, or other topics as determined by the instructor. This course may be taken for up to six hours of credit under different topics.(F, S, M, Su1, Su2)

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

  • Understand various cultural, social, and religious transformations of the medieval Middle East
  • Understand various economic, intellectual, and military developments of the Middle East
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the historiography of the medieval Middle East
  • Analyze the causes for and results ofmajorhistorical developments in the Middle East

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to do the following:

  • Identifypolitical and cultural shifts of the Islamic Middle East
  • Explain diversecultural, social, and religious traditions of various regions in the Middle East
  • Analyze how historians employ various forms of evidence,such as textual sources and material culture, to understand themajor historical developments of the Middle East
  • Analyze the major historiographical traditions that govern the study of the medieval Middle East

QEP SLOs:

  • SLO 1.1. Students will demonstrate the knowledge and skills obtained through participation in experiential learning activities that are relevant/pertinent to their academic programs and/or career goals.
  • SLO 2.1. Students will demonstrate a high level of comprehension and skill in connecting theory with practice which is correlated to their level of participation in Experiential Learning activities.
  • SLO 2.2. Students will compare and contrast their expected learning to their actual learning derived from Experiential Learning activities.
  • SLO 2.3. Students will reflect on the impact that Experiential Learning activities have had on their relationship to the world in which they live.

Required Readings:

Edward Said – Orientalism

David Morgan – Mongols

Carl Petry – Protectors or Praetorians?

Michael Dols – The Black Death in the Middle East

*All additionalrequired readings will be posted on Moodle, sent via e-mail, or provided as class handouts.

*Breakdown of all points used for figuring final grades:

(Any bonus points earned for attendance will be added to the student’s total accumulated points at the end of the semester)

Discussion (10 x 10 pts)= 100 pts

50-word Assign (5 x 20 pts) = 100 pts

Papers(2 x 100 pts)= 200 pts

Total points possible = 400 pts

*Grading Scale:

(448-500)90 – 100% = A

(438-447)88 – 89% = B+

(398-437)80 - 87% = B

(388-397)78 – 79% = C+

(348-387)70 - 77% = C

(338-347)68 – 69% = D+

(298-337)60 - 67% = D

(297 and below) 59 and below = F

As stated in the university catalogue (p. 46), A, B+ and B, C+ and C, D+ and D, and F carry the traditional academic connotations of excellent, good, average, poor, and failing performance, respectively.

Moodle:

Because important class information will be communicated through Moodle and/or e-mail, students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with Moodle and for any information sent to the class via Moodle and/or e-mail.

Discussion:

Because this class is an intensive reading seminar, student discussions on readings will be a significant portion of the overall grade, meaning students should read all assignments carefully and come to class prepared for active involvement in class discussions. There will be a total of 100 pointspossible for discussion participation, which accounts for just over 25% of the overall grade. If you are not present on discussion days, you will NOT receive discussion points for that day under any circumstances. Furthermore, points are earned only when students have READ the assignment AND are active participants in discussion. This means that simply sitting in the room and observing the discussion is not considered participation, nor is it sufficient to simply ask questions, although questions are welcome and should be a part of discussions. Because of the nature of class discussion, it is not possible to recreate or, therefore, make them up. Please do not ask, as there are no exceptions.

  • Participation grades will be assigned according to the following rubric:

9-10 pts = dynamic and informed (i.e., clear knowledge of assigned readings) participation

8 points = solid participation with evidence of a careful reading of the sources

7 points = occasional participation with evidence of having consulted the readings

6 points = participates with minimal effort (i.e. only asking questions or repeating what has already been said)

0-5 points = not present, no attempt to participate, unable to answer questions, or unable to exhibit any evidence of having read the assignment

50-Word Assignments:

Almost every week, students will be required to write at least one 50-word assignment, in which the student will be expected to summarize the argument of an assigned reading and provide significant evidence for the conclusions. Thus, there will be a total of seven 50-word assignments totaling 100 points possible throughout the semester, which accounts for almost 25% of the overall grade. The due dates of each and the reading assignment for each will be posted on Moodle. 50-word assignments are exercises in learning how to summarize a thesis, write more concisely, extract historical interpretations from written materials, and to choose evidence that best supports an argument. Therefore, students will be given precise instructions for writing the 50-word assignments, and the assignments will be graded according to these premises. Failure to follow the guidelines provided will result in the grade penalties stated on the guidelines, including zero points given to papers that violate certain aspects of the paper guidelines. All papers MUST be turned in by the BEGINNING of the class on the assigned due date, uploaded to Moodle as an assignment AND as a hard copy handed in at the beginning of class. No late assignments will be accepted under any circumstances ever, so please do not ask.

Papers:

Students are required to write two analyticalpapers worth 100 points each. Thus, the papers will be worth a total of 200 points (50% of the overall grade). Each paper will expect students to analyze information from class readings, meaning attendance is ALWAYS important in the class, because in addition to discussion grades, the discussions will help students prepare for the papers. Students will be made aware of the paper due dates well in advance. Therefore, no late papers will be accepted under any circumstances. In addition, students will be provided with a detailed assignment for each paper that MUST be followed precisely, as each paper will be graded according to the premises outlined in the assignments. Failure to follow the guidelines provided will result in the grade penalties stated on the guidelines, including zero points given to papers that violate certain aspects of the paper guidelines.

All papers MUST be turned in by the BEGINNING of the class on the assigned due date, uploaded to Moodle as an assignment AND as a hard copy handed in at the beginning of class.

NOTES:

Each student is responsible for his or her own class notes, meaning Dr. Barnes WILL NOT give out her notes to any student under any circumstances, so please do not ask.

Attendance Policy: It is not possible to do well in the class without attending class, taking good notes, and reading the assignments. Therefore, in keeping with university policy, students who miss 25% of classes (meaning more than NINE of the scheduled classes) without properly documented excuses will automatically fail the course. In addition, students who miss numerous classes due to an illness that has been professionally documented may be encouraged to take a medical withdrawal. Tardy students (students who enter the room after their names have been called for attendance) will be considered absent, and students who are egregiously tardy (those who enter the room after attendance has been taken and class has already begun) may not be allowed to enter the room, as it is a disruption to the learning process. Students are responsible for all class material/assignments and due dates, regardless of his/her attendance. Leaving class early for any reason will count as an absence for the day.

Grievance Policy:
If unhappy with a grade, a student must submit to the instructor approximately one page detailing why s/he feels the assignment was misgraded along with the graded assignment at which time the instructor will set up an appointment to discuss the grievance. Students must submit grievances within one week of the assignment’s return to the general class. Also, because all grades will be posted to Moodle in a timely manner, students must make the professor aware of a grading mistake within a week of when a grade was posted. Otherwise, no changes will be considered.

Inclement weather policy:
Classes will take place as long as the university is open and holding classes. If there are extreme weather conditions, such as a hurricane or dangerous driving conditions, students should check Moodle for class updates.

Students with Disabilities:

Students with disabilities are responsible for contacting Disability Services to find out about their rights and their obligations. Also, you MUST bring me official documentation from Disability Services BEFORE I can make any exceptions to regular classroom policies in order to accommodate disabilities.

Academic Dishonesty:

Cheating in any form and on any assignment, quiz, or test is a serious offense. If a student is caught committing academic dishonesty in any form, including plagiarism (please see the explanation below from the current Student Code of Conduct) s/he WILL receive a failing grade (specifically the grade of FX) for the entire course and will be reported to the appropriate university officials. If you need further explanation of plagiarism, please feel free to ask me, as I am more than happy to clarify any questions you may have. Therefore, cheating and/or plagiarism in any form will not be excused because of claims that one lacked an understanding of what constitutes either.

*In accordance with the CCU Code of Student Conduct (p. 2-3), plagiarism, cheating and all other forms of academic dishonesty include the following:

Examples of plagiarism include but are not limited to the following:

(i)Words, sentences, ideas, conclusions, examples and/or organization of an assignment are borrowed without proper acknowledgment from a source (for example, a book, article, electronic documents, or another student’s paper).

(ii)A student submits another person’s work in place of his/her own.

(iii)A student allows someone else to revise, correct or edit an assignment without explicit permission of the instructor.

(iv)A student submits work without proper acknowledgment from commercial firms, Web sites, fraternity or sorority files or any other outside sources, whether purchased or not.

(v)A student allows another person to take all or any part of a course, including quizzes, tests, and final examinations.

(vi)A student submits any written assignments done with the assistance of another without the explicit permission of the instructor.

(vii)A student knowingly aids another student who is engaged in plagiarism.

Examples of cheating include but are not limited to the following:

(i)A student uses unauthorized information, materials or assistance of any kind for an assignment, quiz, test, or final examination.

The use of information obtained from the Internet or other outside sources for papers or any other assignment is forbidden in this class unless is it specifically taken from material posted on Moodle by the professor. Thus, the use of information that is not specifically provided by the professor during the present semester will be considered cheating and students will be penalized accordingly.

(ii)A student knowingly aids another student who is engaged in cheating.

The Writing Center:

Students who have difficulty with grammar, paper organization, citations, or other writing concerns should consult the Writing Center, which is in Room 209 of the Prince Building. Help is available during the following times:

  • Monday – Thursday, 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sunday, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM (in 219 Kimble Library)

Classroom Civility:

Upon entering the college classroom, I expect you to practice behaviors conducive to learning. A variety of behaviors are disruptive to the learning process, not only for you but also for your fellow classmates; it is my responsibility to curb such incivilities. Therefore, among others, I expect the following classroom behavioral standards:

  • If you are late for class, it will count as an unexcused absence, and if you are so late that lecture has already begun, you will not be allowed to enter the class.
  • I expect you to come to class on time and to remain for the duration of the class. The consequence of failing to do so is to earn an unexcused absence: see the attendance policy above.
  • If you have an emergency, you may go to the bathroom. Habitual trips to the bathroom will result in an unexcused absence unless you provide medical documentation stating the necessity.
  • I expect all electronic devices, including cell phones, PDAs, iPods, laptops, etc., to be silenced and/or turned off and PUT AWAY for the duration of the class. I have a zero tolerance policy regarding these devices; if you violate this policy, you will be asked to leave the classroom and will be marked for an unexcused absence. If you have a disability that demands you use any electronic device, you must provide the proper paperwork from Disability Services BEFORE it will be allowed.
  • I expect students to participate in discussions in respectful ways. This demands that we all listen to different viewpoints, use civil speech, and be vigilant against intolerance and hate. We may disagree with one another, while listening with empathy and fairness. This also demands that one person talks at any given time. For example, if I am talking, do not engage in side conversations, as such continual disruptions may lead to you being removed from the classroom on either a temporary or permanent basis and will result in an unexcused absence for the day.
  • Above all, students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that complies with the Student Code of Conduct while in the classroom. Thus, any behavior that disrupts the learning or teaching process, including disrespectful or uncivil behavior towards either the professor or other students, will NOT be tolerated, and may result in a student being removed from the class on either a temporary or a permanent basis.
  • If the student behaves in such a disruptive manner that the professor requests his or her removal from the entire course, the professor will also report the student to the Dean of Students with the expectation of real university sanctions against the student.

Additional Class Policies:

The instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus. Any changes will be announced in class and are the responsibility of the student.

All assignments and test dates will be announced in class and/or via Moodle, meaning students are responsible for keeping up with this information and attendance is very important. Also, because technological problems can arise, students should do their assignments well in advance to avoid any complications. Exceptions will not be given to those who have such difficulties. Any activity on Moodle deemed unscholarly and inappropriate will result in a failing grade for the course.

 Students will not be given altered due dates for assignments, papers, quizzes, etc. to accommodate special travel plans unless they are university sponsored, in which case official university documentation must be provided at least a week in advance of the absence, and the student will make up the missed assessment at the professor’s discretion.

 There will be no extra credit assignments given to individual students under any circumstances.

 Students will not be given an incomplete for the course unless there is an extremely rare situation that requires it. In the instance of severe medical complications, the university grants medical withdrawals, meaning the student should contact the proper university officials rather than request an incomplete for the course.

 There will NEVER be any sort of group or collaborative work in this course. Therefore, students are ALWAYS expected to work on their own. Sharing note information is the only exception, and it should appear inpapers in one’s own words.

 Absences for religious observances will not be held against a student as long as he or she notifies me (Dr. Barnes) at least a week in advance and as long as the university officially acknowledges the religious observance.

 Do not e-mail the professor to ask about a grade, as all grades will be posted to Moodle as soon as they are known. Also, FERPA does not allow me to release such information through e-mail or to any individual other than the student. Thus, the professor will not discuss the student’s performance in the class with anyone other than the student, regardless others’ relation to the student.